Archive for December 2nd, 2008

Tim made an excellent post about USA Today’s survey about the cheating and stealing rate in schools. Please read it (especially, if you’re a youth pastor). Here’s an excerpt (to read the whole thing, click “more” at the end) -

“…Whose fault it is? Everybody’s. From parents, to teachers, to youth pastors, to marketers, to toll-both collectors to the students themselves.

We create this incredible pressure on our students that they have to win at any cost, make money at any cost, look great at any cost, live the American dream at any cost. Cheating, lying, stealing becomes part of the pragmatism to achieve that…” (more)

As Amanda and I (and Giselle) have been observing Advent, I have been searching around for specific Advent resources. I’ve found a few that I really appreciate.

1. Christianity Today has created its own Advent calendar. Click the link at the bottom, and it takes you a prayer/verse for the day.
2. The Church of England made a video Advent calendar. It’s a good contemporary way of doing it that supports the idea of “waiting,” which we aren’t very good at anymore. Good for them though!
3. Everyday Liturgy is providing an Advent poem every day through the season. A very creative way of reflecting on the time.
4. Advent08 iPhone app. You need $.99 and an iPhone/iTouch, but, if you have that, I recommend it. I provides readings and prayers for each day.
5. You can always make your own Advent wreath. If I thought about it before, I would have done this. Do it yourself here.

I hope to add more later, but I think this could get you on the right track. If you are looking for something simple, always check out this site.